Washington (CNN) Montana Sen. John Tester announced Wednesday morning that he will seek re-election in 2024, boosting Democrats’ hopes of retaining the Senate.
“It’s official. I’m running for re-election,” he whispered chirp. “Montanaans need a fighter that will hold our government accountable and demand that Washington stand up for veterans and cut costs for families. I will always fight to defend Montana’s values. Let’s get to work.”
Tester is one of several Democratic senators in red and purple states who are likely to face competitive challenges this cycle. Along with West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin, Tester was one of the top officials urged by the party leadership to seek re-election.
In response to the ad, the National Republican Senatorial Committee moved quickly to associate Tester with President Joe Biden in the deep red state, calling him “the president’s favorite senator.”
Democrats face a difficult path to maintaining their slim 51-49 majority, with 23 seats for the defense compared to just 11 for the GOP.
Plus, they’ll have to hold on to Democratic seats in GOP terrain, like in Ohio and West Virginia — not to mention hold their seats in swing states like Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan and Nevada. And the map provides them with slim chances, since Republican incumbents mostly operate in ruby-red states or states that have tilted toward the Republican Party, such as Florida.
Tester has nearly $3 million in his Senate campaign account as he prepares to campaign.
This story has been updated with additional background information.
CNN’s Melanie Zanona contributed to this report.
